Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Portland is 29% more expensive than Mesa.

$1,596/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↓ 7%
$88,792/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↓ 11%
$557,600 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$364,300 ↓ 35%
$1,771/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↓ 21%
642,715
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $10,013/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Mesa — common questions

Is Portland or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Mesa?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Mesa?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $10,013/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Arizona?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Portland details → View Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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